Portrait® Plasma delivers nitrogen-based plasma (thermal energy that works both at and below the skin’s surface) to modify skin architecture and generate new collagen for up to two years following treatment.

Clinically proven to significantly tighten the skin, Portrait Plasma is ideal for treating fine lines, deep wrinkles, and sun damage, as well as pre-cancerous lesions and dyschromia. Studies show improved pore size, tone, and texture of the face and body. Portrait Plasma is also effective for treating acne scars, adds plastic and aesthetic surgeon, Christine A. Petti, MD, FACS. Dr. Petti, who is medical director of her private cosmetic surgery practice in LA, has extensive experience in resurfacing. The Portrait procedure “has revolutionized skin resurfacing in my practice” noted Dr. Petti.

Dr. Petti described Portrait Plasma as both “userfriendly for the physician and receiver-friendly for the patient.” Dr. Petti’s experience stems from treating hundreds of patients, as well as personal experience with Portrait Plasma treatments. Dermatologist and facial plastic surgeon, as well as author of numerous clinical texts, Ronald L. Moy, MD tested Portrait Plasma in clinical trials. Dr. Moy explains, “With the Portrait Plasma most experienced dermatologists and plastic surgeons can readily learn the technique by observing a few cases.”

Portrait Plasma may be used to treat 100% of the skin and is especially effective on the upper and lower lids of the eyes. No other non-ablative or fractionated treatments can be used in this area and get the same results. Dr. Moy offers his experience treating hundreds of patients over the course of four to five years. When initially learning how to administer the treatment, Dr. Moy recommends, “start with conservative parameters. It is a simple technique, but start with conservativesettings ... and wear magnification loops so that you can see more clearly. It is important to make sure that the pulse is evenly spaced and magnification helps to evenly distribute the plasma energy.”

Offering Enhanced Patient Satisfaction
The pendulum has swung—a few years ago, there was a marked move away from aggressive laser (i.e., CO2, Erbium) treatments with lots of downtime to non-ablative treatments with no downtime. Unfortunately, though offering patients less downtime, these treatments did not yield high patient satisfaction rates.

Kenneth Owen Rothaus, MD, plastic surgeon and attending staff and faculty at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Cornell Weill Center, has presented at professional medical education meetings about CO2. Dr. Rothaus noted that, “CO2 was always considered the gold standard but the problem was there was high incidence
of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and later hypopigmentation. Also, patients took two to three weeks to heal, and were often red for three to four months post-procedure.”

Portrait Plasma offers a single treatment option with results similar to CO2 that patients desire coupled with both a reasonable amount and easier period of downtown. Portrait Plasma treats 100% of the skin’s surface in a single session compared to 20% by fractional laser technologies. Because of the 100% coverage, Portrait Plasma is also effective in treating pre-cancerous lesions.

Dr. Moy noted that “patient satisfaction is high because resurfacing takes off layers of skin, while the heating device tightens the lower jowls and loose skin. In addition to this ability to treat the neck and produce a seamless treatment, both wound care and recovery are easier for patients. Patients see more improvement compared to the results produced by fractionated lasers. With plasma resurfacing, patients not only see the results, they see more immediate results.”

Tailoring Treatments to Each Patient’s Skin
Portrait Plasma provides a spectrum of treatments that can be tailored to the condition of the patient’s skin,their expectations for the outcome, and desired length of recovery time. It can be used as a standalone device or in combination with other fractional treatments, Thermage, or fillers and Botox. It is also now being used to
retreat fractional outcomes that did not meet the patient’s expectations.

Dr. Petti uses plasma resurfacing alone—or in concert with a facelift procedure in which case she administers Portrait Plasma around the eyes, forehead, nose, and mouth, as well as on the skin on the neck and chest. Dr. Petti said that the addition of plasma resurfacing “enhances the face and neck lift, making the face and neck look natural and harmonious.” A facelift addresses the excess lax skin but Portrait Plasma addresses the quality of the skin and provides additional tightening. Combining Portrait Plasma at the time of lift allows a physician to provide a better overall outcome.